Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I table a response to a question taken on notice during question time on 3 December 2018, asked by Senator Farrell, relating to the Prime Minister's zero tolerance of bullying policy in the Liberal Party, and seek leave to have the document incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

Dear President,

I write with regard to a question I took on notice from Senator Farrell on Monday, 3 December 2018, regarding the Prime Minister's zero tolerance of bullying policy in the Liberal Party.

I refer to the Prime Minister's statement of 17 September 2018, where he announced that he had asked the Federal Executive of the Liberal Party to ensure that there is a rigorous and confidential process to deal with concerns and complaints from party members, including Members of Parliament.

In that statement, the Prime Minister, as Party Leader, reiterated the high standards of behaviour he expects so that Members of Parliament, candidates and party members are treated with respect and are well supported.

I can further advise the Senate that the Liberal Party has appointed two distinguished Australians, Chris McDiven AM and Brian Loughnane AO, to review the Party organisation's existing processes for the handling of complaints and advise on ways to strengthen and improve those processes to ensure they meet the standard set by the Prime Minister.

In relation to the parliamentary Liberal Party, the six party Whips have always managed this process and will continue to do so. This new arrangement will ensure that the organisational wing of the party has the same processes and upholds the same values.

I have copied this letter to the Prime Minister and Senator Farrell.

Kind regards

Mathias Cormann

Minister for Finance and the Public Service

4 December 2018